I Was a Humanitarian... and I Regret It

[@alexandrialee1705]

this reminds me of the jim carrey quote along the lines of “imagine being homeless and someone sticks a camera in your face and forces you to accept a meal from them...” it’s so humiliating and self-centered

[@lxvor8225]

Absolutely

[@bailincen7472]

This comment to all the KZbinrs who ‘help homeless people’ for clout and show no respect towards them.

[@LL-wu5ui]

"Forces you to accept a meal from them"???? I doubt you have to force them.... what

[@alexandrialee1705]

LL they would come off as bitchy and ungrateful if they didn’t accept the meal, and they’re being recorded, having their privacy exposed; it just takes away from the generosity and humility of the deed if you record it. they’re not being forced to accept it but if they didn’t it would make them look bad to a bunch of people who see the recording.

[@milkytaro3201]

that’s so damn selfish

[@samanthapeters8314]

I heard a story about a guy in Africa. He had a pop up shop selling clothes. When humanitarians regularly came they gave away clothes for free. The guy lost customers. He pointed at the humanitarians "why would anybody buy clothes from me, when they can get it free over there?"

[@saragarofano9727]

Ah shit

[@bellavostrejs9798]

Yep, happens with company's like toms shoes. They give them away for free but the people selling shoes who are local lose their business. So technically it helps the people get free shoes but also hurts the locals trying to make money for themselves.

[@X3nophiliac]

@@bellavostrejs9798 was just about to comment this. Voluntourism and "charitable companies" like TOMS don't help the communities they give to. They don't even give tax money bc none of their shoes are made in Africa. They give no economic development to the African countries they give shoes to.

[@peachesandpoets]

A huge deal with that is rice. Countries think they're helping by donating rice but um

[@lilysbox2139]

@@peachesandpoets can you elaborate how is it problematic for rice? because I thought it is more needed than shoes and always be needed..

[@dash2535]

This should be a TED talk

[@jaineas]

I agree

[@feltit2449]

Yes omgg pls

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

Nah, it's not good enough. There are better versions of this kind of info, more informed, more engaging out there.

[@goinggreygardens]

@@Goldenretriever-k8m Awesome. Can you pls give some recommendations?

[@SelenaY.1331]

@@Goldenretriever-k8m can you suggest how it can be better because this is pretty informational as is

[@JuliaSochnikova]

I am from Siberia, when I was 15 and English student, American missionaries came to our school, it was so cringy. I know they were nice and wanted to help, but it was exactly how Hyram describes it-humiliating to us. The way they patronized us and tried to teach us English using the Bible-it was pure humiliation. And then I moved to the US and saw so much poverty, drug abuse, neglect, IN THE US. I will never understand the desire of Americans to take care of the entire world-guys you have so many problems in your own country, help your own. It is not as glamorous, but there are more than enough problems in the US itself.

[@yurichtube1162]

Truth.

[@Kamadev888]

Yep. I'd even say that Siberia has much LESS problems than the US. Yes, sometimes there is little money, but there are very few obese people in Siberia. Gorgeous women. Nice, natural people, living in clean nature. Healthy food. Also, Russian people are very intelligent and well-educated, with a lot of cultural knowledge.

[@johnnyskinwalker4095]

a big part of it is ego, I see a lot of movie stars doing that. it's like they place themselves about everybody else. or some of it is guilt. you have too much money and feel guilty about it.

[@JuliaSochnikova]

@@Kamadev888 thank you, there are problems in Siberia too, but it is much safer to live there. I would say US is going down big time-there are so many homeless people, too much drugs, it is not safe. We lived in New York for 10 years, and then in Hawaii for 10 years, in a good neighborhoods-my car was broken into a few times, I was robbed, our house was broken into. Kids start doing drugs in Middle School in Hawaii. There are so many homeless people in Hawaii, half of the kids in our school were from the homeless shelter, they did not even have shoes. My kids would come barefoot from school, because kids would still their shoes and school supplies. One time we came to the beach, and while were were swimming, our flip flops were stolen by the homeless people. We moved back to Siberia when our kids started Middle School, to avoid drugs and to be safe. We now live in Russia.

[@alandanny3658]

That’s true. There are lots of drug problems in the United States.

[@kaginalauraarc4658]

I am from Rwanda, East Africa. When I was a senior In high school , these white kids came to visit our school because our school was a religious school and they were sent by their church to come and teach English ,now you have to understand most of my class mates were even older than these kids since in Rwanda most seniors are eighteen and above some even 20, plus we study in English and French all our lives . Had they researched they would have realised that our school was a private middle or kind of high class school but I believe they did not, Now these kids came and started trying to teach us English and nursery School songs , it was so humiliating to us because most of us recognized these songs because they were taught to us as early as age three but these kids really believed they had changed our lives and taught us English. All they did was waste our time and humiliate us and give a reason to some kids to start developing racism in their minds against white people.

[@NurRadzi]

That's terrible 😔 they should have done some proper research before they start these humanitarian missions.

[@kaginalauraarc4658]

@@NurRadzi I know, they would say a word and then directly say we know it's probably hard to memorize a song whose lyrics/ words you can't understand but it's okay be comfortable to sing whatever you can get. And they would explain to us very simple words and when they were done they tried to give us free t shirts and then told us they would never forget us

[@Crystal-sl3oo]

All they do is take the riches from africa, we could’ve been the richest country ever 😭

[@kaginalauraarc4658]

@@catscratchfever7540 exactly I too realised that, why would the church bring them in the first place , is it possible to teach someone English in one day ? Couldn't the church at least asked for aid to hire better teachers or buy new textbooks ? Couldn't the church take them to actual kids who were in need and not ask us to fake being from poor families? I will never understand or know the answer to all these anyways.

[@chels_god]

Ugh, stuff like this makes me so angry. I can't imagine how you must have felt, I'm so sorry. As a fellow African (living in America), I've gotten into many arguments with people who don't see anything wrong about humanitarian trips smh

[@cicicalderon13]

In all of my years studying public health, I’ve only had one professor speak of this issue. When she went abroad she was sent by the WHO to build schools but the locals refused to let them build; she was being sent to figure out why. All of the white participants (sorry but it’s true according to her story; not mine) we’re frustrated after five days of being there. She however, was the only one who didn’t sit on meetings, but instead played with the children in the street. The towns leader spoke to her and asked why she wasn’t sitting in and she shared that she wasn’t interested in forcing something onto his people that he felt wasn’t best for them - and it took off from there! She built enough trust to understand that people didn’t need another school; instead they needed a water pipe running through the ground to provide fresh running water to the people. Without one, children would be expected to spend the day with their mothers going to get water rather than go to school and get an education that they were desperate to receive! All this to say; thank you for shedding some light on this topic! It’s a harsh reality and as you mentioned, there’s a difference between good intention and doing good for those we are our investing our time, money, and effort into helping. Had we all taken a little time like my professor, we could be a step closer in the right direction - consider yourself with another follower! And for Dr. Sami, UCI and I will never forget you.

[@lesliemonterroso2355]

half way through reading this i realized that you were talking about Dr. Sami from UCI! I’m currently a 4th yr and she was probably the only professor I had that talked about this topic! small world

[@gracewaluube3174]

I swear this was on Quora🤔

[@kristinale885]

I was there for this lecture as well!!

[@ravecake7095]

thank you for sharing this!

[@marcd7332]

Were*

[@Theedebtcollector]

American humanitarians should go build tiny homes for the American homeless population and protest the governor's who try to stop them.

[@hairbygloglo]

👊🏽👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Centrioless]

So basically no diffrence between what he criticized and what you just said 🤦‍♂️ The same dependency, except this time its in your own country

[@Theedebtcollector]

@@Centrioless No... I lived on the streets in NY for about a year and a half. I was lucky enough to have a church group help me get an apartment bc they saw me sleeping on the train. With the right help and checking in on, that could be a great head start for people who want to change their lives, but maybe don't have anyone to help or anyone who cares. I understand that some may not use the opportunity properly, which is why I do believe their should be someone checking in on them, making sure they keep their space clean, help them get a job, teach them life skills, ect. I received this help 3 years ago bc I don't have any family here, and it has completely changed my life...

[@alondor8157]

@@Theedebtcollector Agreed. And I'm really happy you made it through!

[@mellima4226]

❤️ 100%. 🙌🏻

There was an old man in my bible study with one leg. We were supposed to paint a room and I said that he could do the low trim while we did the high trim. A woman told me that I was rude making him work. I told her that it would be rude to make him feel like he was useless.

[@somebodysvideos7876]

Thank you for respecting and supporting your disabled friend! I also have a disability, and I feel offended when I am excluded due to pity. Disabled people can contribute a lot, they shouldn't be perceived as weak or poor. You did the right thing in the situation.

[@somebodysvideos7876]

@ I understand. I'm also female (but I'm not sure whether it had any negative impact; probably not much in my case). I'm sorry you were underestimated, because you're female.

[@SecondTake123]

True!

[@Teglamen]

nice

[@suenzhong7891]

Exactly! A church friend of mine needs to use a walker (he was previously in a wheelchair but he is getting better) but we don't treat him like he is made of glass or put him in a corner. When we clean the church he helps and when we play games like treasure hunt he joins in.

[@Nia-hy1uy]

I’ve always hated how they advertise pictures of children without their consent

[@miriamhavard7621]

That's actually a very good point.

[@nsmina]

Same.

[@eduardochavacano]

this is very selfish and abusive practice.

[@erinnichols4866]

If they are a child without biological parents, they definitely can not be pictured in websites or public photos

[@martabrustenga396]

i was thinking the fucking same

[@ssj_brownie6447]

At first, this guy was showing me how to get good skin, now he’s teaching me life lessons

[@BereniceJimenez94]

True influences

[@MomoSimone22]

How does he find the time?

[@katieglamer]

Genuinely!

[@yuppy178]

@Edelweiss Weaver prophet no

[@kayots]

It’s so annoying how little “humanitarians” actually care about providing long lasting solutions for communities.

[@mauddescamps7572]

well most of them are companies that have volunteering as a business model. Thus it is not about doing something sustainable but to provide an experience to customers (the volunteers).... it is an exploitations of misery but also of the good intention of the volunteers (or the serve to nurture the white syndrom ...for some)

[@avagardner4619]

You have to remember that a lot of these individuals going on trips are college aged or even in high school, and are under the influence of what larger organizations or corporations have told them. Most people going on these trips genuinely want to make in a difference in the world, although their work it is incredibly misguided. The humanitarian organizations (most of the time) should be the ones under scrutiny.

[@AlexS-oj8qf]

They just came and give these people sponsored freebies with huge corporate logo slapped all over it. It's not humanitarian aid, it's advertisement.

[@Skinnymarks]

@@mauddescamps7572 that is a fascinating point. Exploitation for business profit.

[@ijustwantsomemillk]

Why did I think humanitarians was people who ate humans 😭

[@avisnubia]

Why aren't high schoolers encouraged to be humanitarians IN THEIR OWN TOWNS.

[@komlat253]

Umm because America is perfect in our minds.

[@jazura2]

Because it is about having an adventure.

[@agentblackfyre5922]

@@jazura2 yeah its all about adventure and hwlp

[@jeansarquis1921]

One of the best things entities can do for themselves is growing stronger and wiser...

[@smallfeet4581]

@@jazura2 do you not think its money , i mean these people in other countries have survived for thousands of years yet now they need others help to survive ?, but the numbers have increased so much since about 1960 when charities became big , show pics of the poor there and gather money to send some people over to help them , african cities are as modern and built up as american cities , they have billionaires and millionaires and they always will if they dont spend it in their communities or people through jjobs etc , charities pay staff big salaries and get people to donate money for years , i found out that hattie mcdaniel gave a lot to building wells in africa frm the money she got from gonewith the wind and they are still building wells in africa 60 years later lol,

[@KDbelieves]

My father hates humanitarians for this reason. He's Senegalese and he moved to the U.S to create a better life. When he started making some money, he went to Senegal and started creating small businesses. Then humanitarians came to his home town and started giving out free food and shelter. He lost his business and a lot of locals lost their small businesses too. His childhood friend became homeless because of this. These humanitarians (though they mean well) play big roles in further crippling local economies and stifle their growth. Thank you so much for speaking up on this issue.

[@anthipaganou3727]

Oh wow this is terrible! Thank you for sharing this. As a person who really wanted to be a volunteer, this helps me realize something I had never heard of!

[@Jaylade]

those aren't humanitarians, they're trying to be humanitarians

[@KDbelieves]

@@Jaylade Regardless of what they are, they cause harm to the environment they want to help. That's the point. Humanitarian or not.

[@ashleyburbank3129]

@@KDbelieves real modern humanitarians by the new standard show up when they're have been disasters and help communities or by sending educated professionals to discuss with the communities on how to best help them before implementing plans! I don't remember what they call the ignorant version but it rhymes with humanitarian it just isn't that word... I believe the new group is trying to take the word back... honestly I think they should just pick a new one but some of them are genuine. This is what they've used to help combat different worldly issues. The one I can think of off the top of my head is battling female circumcision in Africa. Especially the way they do it in some parts of Africa it poses extreme danger to the women! But by sending medical professionals to have educated discussions with local elders they have slowly removed or at least alter the nature of a lot of female circumcision.

[@KDbelieves]

@@ashleyburbank3129 That is good, but they are going to have to do a lot of work. From my own community, a lot of us don't even like help from them. Some of these organizations literally don't even care that we don't want their help. They just do it, which shows they don't actually care about the people. I really hope there are more genuine and INFORMED people. Being genuine is not enough and it shows. I also I wasn't going to say this because it gets really dark, but it needs to be said. A lot of westerners don't know this happens. We need to have more conversations about the human trafficking behind a lot of these humanitarian organizations. They are kidnapping kids and selling them for sex slavery or to be sacrificed by those crazy voodoo people. Especially albino kids. Not to mention, some of these humanitarian travelers use volunteer work as an excuse to travel to other countries for sexual tourism. To essentially molest orphans. None of this is talked about and it's HUGE in these communities. Overall, they do more harm than good.

[@amandas8867]

“We are not solving problems, we are creating an experience for ourselves” couldn’t have put it better!!

[@refi257]

No one is commenting under this comment so i will

[@ovo8709]

@@refi257 so will I ❤️

[@ovo8709]

Agreed ;-;

[@atlimosia9029]

:)))

[@osas5211]

Some are going for the experience and there’s some that gave their life but these aren’t quick fix problems

[@RayWolver]

Someone give this guy the chance to hold a TED talk this is a highkey imp issue

[@ollie2111]

I agree. It'd be an awesome important TED talk.

[@crappyaccount]

Yes this is a highkey devil issue

[@mackielauzon7320]

YES PLEASE

[@angelaaubreyvillanue]

This guy is named hyram and he has a youtube channel that talks about skin care

[@lindaramirez1852]

He really does need to

[@TheSeeking2know]

"Clean your room before trying to change the world." Your room can be your own family, or home community.

[@starbug3408]

Very wise words. It made me think of when I have helped family or friends with something like "cleaning their room". I never just went and did as I thought best. It's their home, not mine. They knew what needed to be done, how it needed to be done, where things should be put. Certain tasks were best left to them; my "assistance" would just complicate things. By following their directions I could actually be of help. To do otherwise would have been disrespectful, even if I thought I could help more "my way". It would have created a mess they would then have to clean up once I left. Much like what happens when "humanitarian" works are carried out in thoughtless, inconsiderate ways.

[@TheSeeking2know]

@@starbug3408 I like your detailed example. This is where humility and gratitude, and just basic respect comes in. You may have ideas but you don't get to ram your ideas down the throats of others.

[@gugulethuncube6421]

Wise words this is one of Jordan Peterson’s books

[@Laura-Yu]

Jordan Peterson 👏

[@ras_krystafari3333]

@@Laura-Yu ǝʌo⅂V3𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢▙▄ █ 🅶 █▬█ ▜𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮▛𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮Oͦmͫक्रिस्टल

[@f.-j.j.5738]

I am Haitian living in Haiti. So I have seen my fair share of Humanitarians. There are some doing a great job but the whole system is terribly flawed and keeps the people they're helping in poverty. They think they are helping but they aren't honestly, not to bash anyone. Investments, jobs, education, teaching people trades etc, those are the roads to development. A plate of rice does save the day but doesn't do much afterwards. In 2010 after the earthquake, billions were said to be poured unto Haiti. But to be honest, Haitians did not see that money. Yes we actually received food and tents and care packages, but you know what? If another earthquake was to happen today, we'd lose the same number of people and be back to square one. We're a young population, most of us are active and healthy, so ready to work hard. We're intelligent, we pick on things very fast and we know how to make it with little ressources. Any Haitian who went to school speaks 3-4 languages. What we need is opportunities, not handouts. Unfortunately, our corrupt governments are always supported by the international community. They enjoy being the poor country who get donations because it allows them to enrich themselves and their families. I look forward to when Haiti will break free from that vicious circle. Great video!

[@animalfinatic9366]

I COMPLETELY agree. You explained it so well!

[@shegoblin4014]

I am Haitian too, but I live in Spain because I am adopted. I agree with you, they want to help but the problem is that some of them don’t ask what we exactly need. They Don’t help in the long run.

[@Celery459]

Thank you for your well explained point. I'm a Haitian American and my parents were both born in Haiti. Due to these parts if my identity I am able to see things from both perspectives. I am a bit biased on this point due to the history of Haiti. I believe that these nonprofits/NGOs are nothing but self serving organizations with no true intent to help the people. It saddens me because as you stated Haiti is filled with bright, educated, hardworking people. However systemic racist oppression by the international community and a corrupt government have crippled the country. It is really a tragedy. When I see nonprofits claiming to be helping Haiti it really angers me. As mentioned in the video the people resent this claim that they cannot do for themselves. The truth is they can. It is the rich and the powerful who push this narrative so they can continue to take advantage of the people and their resources.

[@ReineDeLaSeine14]

Thank you for your message...I remember all the donations that were gathered and wondered why this in Haiti didn’t seem to be improving but I was too young to understand what is happening within your government. Bon courage 💜

[@Vanessabobessa10]

Josephine Bournes this is the case in many other similar countries you explained it well. Lack of proper leadership, infrastructure, caste, old religion and traditions that are in place that continue to keep citizens from thriving. Its sooo deep routed even in this modern age. It will not be solved with a plate of rice, clothes, makeshift houses. You are right. People dont want charity long term. They want to thrive function, have a purpose, be empowered, have opportunities. This is right

[@hecielkayecanete5459]

"Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime".

[@soy_red]

except ppl are having their fish stolen from them

[@coraggio93]

Give a man Top Ramen, and he'll eat in 3 minutes.

[@eggiemybaby]

@@soy_red my country is facing this problem

[@soy_red]

@@eggiemybaby I'm sorry to hear this. Which country are you from?

[@eggiemybaby]

@@soy_red Philippines. Our fishermen are being robbed here specially on the east coast and our President is letting it.

[@KiaanCastillo]

"Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime"

[@graysthenewblonde177]

Kiaan Castillo love this saying!

[@hamdaalkhulaifi650]

Omg, i love this

[@blueangel1939]

That is so accurate, I love that quote

[@mckennaduck1074]

BIG FISH. I PERFORMED THIS MUSICAL FOR HIGHSCHOOL

[@jesikan4285]

🤣 its what the news anchor wanted to say and got it wrong

[@gerberjoanne266]

In a way, it's kind of arrogant to assume that teenagers from the West would know better how to build a house than adults from the local community in Fiji, Tonga, or wherever.

[@iburntmytoe3470]

yeah especially when people from those populations are much better with their hands than the average bum ass westerner lol

[@themudpit621]

"kind of" arrogant? lol It's downright idiotic, and yes, very arrogant, no respect at all.

[@theBabyDead]

@@themudpit621 it's not THAT terrible. It's an easy assumption to make considering the quality of life over there vs over here. It's just ignorance, not a lack of respect.

[@gracecook3392]

Bro..... I just got a job at a roofing company in Florida.....the level of difference in Florida roofs vs Michigan (or something idk) is crazy

[@jambononi]

Well not really because they are being directed by civil engineers backed by hundreds of year of industrial revolution and science in their heritage. I'm not saying there's no inherent arrogance involved, but when a Western teenager goes over to these communities, it's not because the community is doing well. Maybe their government is the problem or there's so few resources or education that they're not able to deal with their own issues. But don't go so far up the humanitarian arsehole that you actually start thinking Western teenagers shouldn't go and help because that would be so totally, like, selfish. Teach a man to fish... at least

[@glensteeper7948]

I agree! In Africa, church aid comes in the form of food aid. How can the local farmers compete with free food. Aid destroys their economy.

[@politereminder6284]

Seriously? Where in Africa? I mostly hear about building and well digging.

[@WordsofHarmony]

Church aid has always come at a cost to African people. Period.

[@agirlisnoone5953]

but why are people starving over there? If they could afford food they wouldn't get aid. If they can't afford it well.... its probably more a government issue than anything and good God can westerners stop trying to save every 3rd world country?

[@pepesylvia9354]

MsSunhappy I don’t agree. They can give free food but they should have bought it from the local farmers.

[@lanis57]

@@agirlisnoone5953 but your not saving it your making it worst..

[@cathyn7640]

I remember a woman telling me excitedly about the mission trip her church was organizing to go to some remote, underserved place to paint a playground. Seriously. Thousands of dollars, tons of air pollution in plane travel to paint a playground. My God. Send them the money and let them pay locals to paint the whole town, and have plenty left over. So white saviorish, just mind-blowing.

[@nicoleisvlogging]

Cathy N I don’t think it is “white saviourish”, I think the woman really wanted to help and found a way to help. yes, maybe it wasn’t the best idea, but I believe her heart was in the right place. what if she liked the experience and started researching more about and then started doing more helpful things in the future? she’s not gonna do that if people discourage her. that’s my opinion, at least

[@audreykoskei4072]

@@nicoleisvlogging But that's just it. You can't play around with people's lives just because "your heart is in a good place".

[@nicoleisvlogging]

Audrey Koskei what I meant is that you cannot judges people’s intentions as “white saviourism” when they really wanted to help, that’s all

[@cathyn7640]

@@nicoleisvlogging Honey, I think you can. People can have the purest intentions and still be engaging in White Saviorism. It defines the action, not the person who performs it.

[@nicoleisvlogging]

Cathy N well, I respect your opinion and was just sharing my thoughts :) I think it’s great to discuss this and I’m always willing to learn more! one of the reasons I watched the video in the first place

[@lulu-ex2zg]

American humanitarians should help America there r plenty of places that need them and it would hurt less people

[@kumstuke]

Especially current situation with food banks across the country

[@MrzPicklez]

There are so many Native tribes that need help, but many of these “humanitarian” and “religious” groups willingly turn a blind eye and seek to travel abroad with the guise of providing “selfless help”. Ugh.

[@mimi-xw5se]

Yep

[@mimi-xw5se]

@@kumstuke yep

[@mimi-xw5se]

@@MrzPicklez right

[@almosthuman2398]

"The thing is: Do you want to save them because they need to be saved, or you want to save them because you want to be THE ONE who saved them?" - a white diabolic cat

[@nabilsalih2898]

Who is this white diabolic cat and where can i find him?

[@almosthuman2398]

@@nabilsalih2898 Madoka, an innocent, magical girl anime (lies), not sure of the english title, is really good in my opinion

[@almosthuman2398]

@@nabilsalih2898 and the cat is a kind of alien/supernatural creature? (I watched it a while ago) named Kyubey

[@nepnep8444]

@@almosthuman2398 madoka magica/puella magi madoka magica

[@tiarezavaleta8850]

@@almosthuman2398 Gosh,I love that anime, thanks for bringing it back into my memory.

[@faye7199]

Oh, this reminds me of those people who take selfies of themselves giving homeless people useless things like airpods or merch to seem saintly.

[@shegoblin4014]

ALIcIA fAE ikr? If someone truly wants to help, they Don’t take slefies while doing it. And some people only go there to then show how good people they are and stuff, sick!

[@eruusky]

Mr Beast

[@MekareP]

I hate that. I've helped out people because it was the right thing to do and it was completely anonymous. If you're looking for praise or attention you're doing the wrong thing.

[@faye7199]

@@eruusky kind of. But at least he planted lots of trees.

[@eruusky]

@@faye7199 Yeah, that was undoubtedly good. I took issue with his video where he gave away $1million to one man but had the man spend a lot of the money on useless things for a video. Very irresponsible and unethical

[@macarenamerino1278]

THIS is an influencer.

[@monalisa-wt2ns]

Yes!

[@عبدهعبدالله-ك6ك]

I have a child with cancer and I don't have a job. Can I find someone to support me?

[@jodeedugger7570]

I love Hyram ☺️💜💜

[@amandaandrew6169]

@@عبدهعبدالله-ك6ك if you live in Canada, there’s resources.

[@rage-quitcentral5038]

@@عبدهعبدالله-ك6ك how can I help?

[@k9spot1]

This is often called “voluntourism” and people giving themselves an excuse to travel because they are “doing good” is gross when these same people have never tried to help their own community. You don’t have to go on an expensive trip to be humanitarian

[@ivonastrukar4715]

I think a large point he has is, is sending 30 inexpirienced people for a minimum cost of 60,000$ to those countries. I think it's better to send 1-5 people who are experts and know what they're doing, and who can act as a kind of supervisors,educators,and idea givers,and let the locals do the work themselves.

[@helloworld7818]

@@ivonastrukar4715 they make a business with this. Volunteering is actually expensive.

[@tuatara9907]

@Kate they basically said people who use "helping others" only as an excuse to go abroad and have no actual interest in helping anyone are being kinda gross. how did you manage to take that as a personal attack if it doesn't even apply to you

[@halifaxverbeck7098]

Kate the way you took that as a personal attack says something about you. the comment nor the video wasn’t saying people who went on these trips had bad intent or even bad actions, they’re just explaining how it can be toxic. he made a lot of valid point you should really think about if you’re going to continue doing humanitarian trips.

[@The_Laughing_Magician]

@Kate Congrats, you got butthurt over a comment that doesn't apply to you. What does that say about you I wonder?

[@zhooeelle]

I'm with an asian ngo and we were told by the leader: never feel superior for helping someone but be grateful as there is someone out there willing to accept your help.

[@vaxrvaxr]

Are you masochists?

[@doomd1816]

Never help people when they think you are a chump for helping them

[@angelmae1995]

@@vaxrvaxr what does that have anything to do with their comment?

[@Sheisthedevilyouknowwho-ft9we]

​​@@vaxrvaxrmore likely sadists😂 most liberals and Marxists want to ultimately control other people's lives. They pretend to be bleeding heart liberal do-gooders, but underneath they are narcissists

[@BounceMan-ng7hl]

So maybe it is not about helping peaple in need it about helping peaple and be beneficial for yourself and your ego​@@doomd1816

[@gene4170]

Can we just acknowledge the fact that many high schoolers do these trips just so it looks good on their extracurriculars for their common app😐

[@jenna_maria]

Imagine contributing to neo-colonialism just for your own personal gain... if you wanna polish your app, just do volunteering at a nursing home or something that is not required by your high school but actually done for the sake of volunteering

[@gene4170]

Jenna Maria Right! It’s honestly pathetic when I hear people read their essays. I’ve heard essays from people that do photography and go on trips to take pictures in order to make a sappy essay that’ll get them into a university. I’ve also heard essays of students going on trips for a week in order to teach kids “English”. I know that these students don’t have any bad intentions when going to these trips but if they’re going to go, they should at least go out of the kindness out their heart. But knowing these students, they’re willing to do anything so it “looks good” on their applications.

[@SourCandies333]

And the crazy thing is, admission officers don’t like hearing these stories about them traveling to third world countries, because it usually just brings out boring and overplayed stories

[@jenna_maria]

Genesis Escalante Exactly! It’s so harmful :(

[@KrishnaDasLessons]

Genesis Escalante Yeah, it shows how messed up the US college application system is. For someone who is not an extrovert and is not really interested in volunteering, it is practically impossible to get into a "good" college.

[@jaadkins148]

I remember growing up in Kenya white missionaries would go out and build houses and the I had friends watch them from afar and whose jobs were taken because the missionaries did it for “free”

[@MsJbetancur]

@@nightviber2097 why don't you work for that pay then?

[@nightviber2097]

@@MsJbetancur see? that's the problem, if i go lower, i cant afford shit my dude. Those people tho get luxures by the organizations and goverment, i dont.

[@MsJbetancur]

@@nightviber2097 so wouldn't the issue be that that job should be paid more or an increased wage, not that POC "stole" jobs?

[@MsJbetancur]

And that the problem is exploitation of migrant workers?

[@gremlinbd]

@@MsJbetancur the pay you mention =$0. How far can you get on $0/hr?

[@boopiedinkus]

We learned about something similar in my school, like it’s more about asking them “what do you need” instead of taking a hold of the ropes yourself and thinking “I know what you need”

[@SelflessbyHyram]

Exactly!! ❤️

[@jjbarbosa7588]

This is why an empowerment philosophy is so important. Thank you for this! I’m an advocate to dv survivors and it’s so important to be a guide on the side and not a sage on the stage.

[@jjbarbosa7588]

ThisIsEmilyKate it’s from a really awesome book getting ahead in a just gettin by world by Philip e. Devol.

[@Valarie.0]

M. Gonz Jesus Loves You!!

[@cherishoneal9108]

This is asked in Half the sky

[@Dude-dx5ns]

As a Nigerian I'm very uncomfortable and disgusted by the fact that people in this comment section have this warped idea of "Africa", like we're all suffering children waiting for benevolent white help. There are as much suffering children in your nations as there are in Nigeria. Help yourselves.

[@angeloliver7613]

It's a picture that is told for decades. Thinking how much i have heard 'hungry children in Africa' to make someone feel bad for throwing food away or sth similar or 'be happy about going to school/having a roof over your head, children/people in Africa have not'.

[@daoyang223]

As an Asian American, I watched Wode Maya and my outlook on African countries have changed dramatically.

[@amymellor8602]

Exactly so true ☝️

[@Mmesomachii]

Very well said.

[@JoseEduardoOcampo]

Thank you for giving us a slap at our face. We really need it...I wonder why to this day the US isn't getting properly fixed once and for all...

[@abimon76]

i saw a post somewhere that said: Instead of telling children "there are kids starving in Africa/Asia", we should say "There are kids in your class that go to bed hungry". that way it removes the racial stereotypes so children don't think that poverty is just something that underdeveloped countries have. edit: Some people say that this will create a class divide in your child's classroom. The thing is, class inequality exists whether or not you point it out. Rich kids will gravitate towards rich kids and vice versa because they have more in common. You can change it to "the other kids in the neighbourhood or in the school" because the likelihood of your child knowing those kids and "looking at those kids suspiciously" is lower. I still believe that children will not bully on the basis of poverty unless they are taught to by their parents. That's why it's your job to make sure that your child sees poor people as human beings. The way to let your child see poor people as human beings is to show them that ANYONE can be poor regardless of how nice or friendly they are to your child, including the kids in your class. That's exactly why you shouldn't associate being poor with something foreign like kids far away in Africa or Southeast Asia or strangers sleeping on the street. The concept of poverty needs to be humanised, otherwise your children will always have a "not my problem" attitude towards it.

[@moraa5671]

THIS

[@moraa5671]

THIS

[@Luna_Anonymous]

Yes but it is a fact that poverty is prevailant so much more in underdeveloped/developing countries.

[@themajesticallyikkyshow2172]

@@Luna_Anonymous and yet developed countries use and exploit those counties resources instead of helping them.

[@maya-leekotze2936]

maybe we should stop thinking that africa ibly consists of black people😃

[@chelseanyandoro4945]

As an African studying in Europe, I have had people say how much they want to send their kids to Africa so they see what "real struggle" looks like to whip them into shape. So THANK YOU for highlighting how damaging it is. People often forget that on that other side of poverty are people who have no desire to be looked at like a zoo animal. Thank you Hyram.

[@marginelouis6674]

Lol tbh a lot of immigrant parents threaten their kids with sending them back home. I know Haitians Mexicans, south east Asians who get the same schtick. One boy actually thought his parents were bluffing. Never showed up for the next school year. Got sent to Mexico to live with relatives. It can be a good thing if your child is out of control and you have close family members back home. The change in environment can be good to them. Less peer pressure

[@oilcubebottle6389]

I'm african living in Europe and my parents definitely threatened to send me or my siblings back to Africa

[@vanessabutera4385]

What?!?! Wooow.

[@HS-ie8tj]

@@oilcubebottle6389 same. OP is being over sensitive.

[@AntimonyxAngel]

As a kid, I always wondered if people in Africa might say the equal opposite like, "start acting right before we ship your ass off to the U.S." Like, why pick on Africa? I'd rather not get sent to North Korea lol

[@trecsyuh729]

"we've come to rescue you, please do not resist"

[@josephnicklemollel1248]

Go save the drug addicts in your country or the homeless

[@Alice-bk4kt]

There is a proverb that says : “ don’t give me a fish but teach me how to fish “ and this is exaclty how those humanitarian trips should work I deleted the phrase :”we have an arabic proverb “ because people had a fight on the proverb’s nationality in the replies

[@areyoulostbabygorl7175]

My dad tells me that everyday so this comment seriously resonated with me. It’s more along the lines of “give a man a fish and it’ll feed him for one day. Teach a man how to fish and it’ll feed him for life”

[@Alice-bk4kt]

Happy Florida Girl ❤️❤️❤️❤️ exactly

[@yes1yes0]

Didn't he meantion exactly this saying in the video?

[@yes1yes0]

13:20

[@lilyanaakel6637]

Can you write in arabic :)

[@servingcant]

As someone who lives in a third world African country I really appreciate seeing someone from the outside talking about this, what you said Is not foreign talk in Africa WE DON’T LIKE humanitarian trips because they disable communities in different types of ways. Thanks Hyram

[@AmbiCahira]

❤

[@marlak4203]

So interesting to hear this, not only from you but also this video because when i was a child i would see the "bless the children" commercials all the time. All the way up into my teens and those kind of commercials had me wondering: if there are thousands/millions of children dying each day/year as they say then how do you still have any children to show on these commercials for all of these years? There shouldn't be any kids after just a few years. Then after seeing shows and hearing about how there are wars and famines in these other countries plus there were organizations being exposed in the news for corruption i finally thought of how it could be the very people "blessing the children" so much that are probably the very ones helping to cause these problems for them. There's big money in this charity stuff so some of, if not most of the conflicts over there are probably funded/started by these "saving" organizations. Then they swoop in as "savior" to the folks of that land and just scam folks of the western world out of money and still treat the people horrible. Sick sad. and not just in Africa too.

[@LesyaSachenko]

thank you for you input on this! i was just looking to go on a volunteer trip to africa to help care for wild animals and help the wounded ones. does what you’re saying apply to this as well or are these trips good?

[@mega-mind3167]

@@LesyaSachenko I don't support those wild life organisations in Africa because I feel like this narrative is just as dangerous. Think of it this way, alot of these people are starving and dying of starvation yet westerners decided to paint this narrative to American media that poachers are endangering and killing these animals. Now this is factual. But what are these people suppose to eat? Are African lives less valuable than an animal? It is the smple concept of us eating goats, chicken, ribs,fish. Who deemed that wild life animals aren't to be eaten. God placed them in Africa for a reason. Why are westerners protesting animals they have never even seen. How is it okay for us to kill and eat fish but wrong for them to eat food accessible to them or is it not considered food cuz a white man said so. If anything you are contributing to these dying ppl because you saw their lives just as worthless as these organisations. Often times their land is invaded and a charitable group puts a band from the locals just to turn it into safarees for tourist sight seeing and these same animals are killed by other animals because that's the circle of life- The life cycle

[@mega-mind3167]

@@LesyaSachenko Watch the video on KZbin titled "This grandma cooks garbage food waste to survive in the Philippines" and then think carefully about what you are really contributing too. After watching this I won't even care if they ate dogs. I'm sorry but human life should always be valued the way God values us

[@GLamoRousCooKie]

I've always found those pics of people posing with some random African kids so tasteless. Like imagine someone stumbling into the place where you live and taking pictures with kids and then posting them.

[@disgusting2208]

NoneWhatsoever ikr it’s both humiliating and fake

[@sictransitvictorable]

Absolutely people, and children, are not props

[@klear19634]

Thank u! People always shit on others that call this out saying "well theyre helping, what r u doing?". Its tactless and disgusting.

[@joe_lubinda]

And when you tell them it's wrong they have all the excuses in the world eg: "They're beautiful kids with beautiful smiles and I fell in love with them" "But I'm just raising 'awareness' and want to get more people to help" No Brandon you just want those Instagram likes. They avoid blacks in the west but they love us Africans?

[@wormie077]

666 likes😱

[@potatochip9236]

I know a whole lot of "humanitarians" that only do it for the certificates, they later put it in their CV's and it creates better college/ masters and job opportunities , even had one of the most selfish girls i know become a member of some human rights club when i asked her why she openly confirmed what i had expected, the certificates, she said everyone does it, and it's free alcohol, food and parties. Wow ...

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

There will always be people who exploit a situation for personal gain.

[@potatochip9236]

@@ASMRyouVEGANyet True

[@silkyjay869]

weird a selfish woman, probably a leftist. Fucking huge surprise.

[@GoldenCrow559]

@@silkyjay869 to be honest jobs these day look like you have to be some kind of superhuman with "incredible" accomplishments just to get started. So she exploited it; kinda makes sense

[@hullie7529]

Why is it that a problem? As long as they're actually helping I don't see why it should matter the reason why they do it. In fact I think it's a more sustainable system if the people who are helping get something in return out of it because that can only lead to even more people trying to help.

[@branganewolf6322]

I went to Fiji after graduating, wanting to "teach" the poor uneducated children there. The teachers thought I was there for an internship to find out if I wanted to be a teacher. That really humbled me. Not for a second did they think, that they needed my help an rightly so. I was 19 and had no idea what I was doing, I just wanted to "help". It was one of the most educational and fun experiences in my life, because everyone there made it a mission to help ME.

[@ThatPrettyGirlMeOT]

I’m sorry but this cracked me up! I’m so glad that you were able to have that experience so early in life! We all need to be humbled to reach our full potential!

[@branganewolf6322]

@@MaryJane-ky9qz No, the thing was that the locals didn't really need my help! I worked for them like an intern, helped some children learning to read when they were behind, stuff like that. They had it covered and I was basically an assistant. Fiji is a small and poor country, but they have schools and universities and their own teachers, they sometimes just lack funds. But nothing a 19-year-old could fix by just showing up...I meant well and we kind of had a culture exchange going on, but I didn't make much of a difference. So the locals weren't neglected, because of me, I was the only foreigner there. I hope that clears it up!

[@riannebentley7175]

@@branganewolf6322 As a Fijian myself, I'd like to thank you wholeheartedly ❤

[@branganewolf6322]

@@riannebentley7175 I had the time of my life and still miss Fiji after 10 years :) I can not say enough good things :)

[@gloriakummer5357]

Sounds like a humanitarian trip can also help the person, trying to help, discover something new about them selves??

[@fideldog1]

“Give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.” -Maimonides

[@ilovebeef18]

the fish are dying hes gonna b eating trash

[@raynesmith2473]

That was actually said by maimonides, a jewish philosopher, you're being disrespectful by discrediting wisdom given to humanity by a certain culture. Dont be part of the problem.

[@captaincmorgan]

Rayne Smith I don't believe OP was being disrespectful or intentionally "part of the problem". It seemed like an honest mistake and OP edited the comment after your reply. I didn't know the origin of the quote either, so thanks for the info. Could've been said differently though, perhaps a little less judgemental or aggressive. We can help educate without accusing or shaming someone for not knowing better.

[@raynesmith2473]

@@captaincmorgan i just believe in looking up quotes and info before i use it, its not that hard. Especially with so much misinformation, its incredibly harmful.

[@hy6049]

Have you seen the funnier version of this where the guy is like yeah I'll take that really big ass fish and sell it to buy a fishing pole and more, and then hire somebody with the money left and rinse and repeat. And the monk goes like "that's why I hate business mens"

[@amyckan]

I never realised how much schools in general feed off this humanitarian idea of helping people out until we went to visit a small tribe in Malaysia and this was an expensive trip. I found out later that it was expensive because my school had PAID the tribe to let us visit them and we were told to bring supplies like toothbrushes/notebooks etc to 'help them out'. They didn't need our help, I found out too. But we went as a 'service' to them.

[@ingridtan6339]

That's crazy! It's sad they had to go to such great lengths to organize a trip that wasn't even necessary and literally only for the experience of westerners (and profit for the organizers I'm sure, seeing as it was expensive)

[@marypang9459]

So glad someone decides to highlight the 'hypocracies'of these humanitarian groups. speaking from the other side, we often hv grps coming to provide 'advocacy' and after learning how much they were paid by sponsors to try to save our communities by telling us information we already knew and more, we wish they just send 1-2 persons n the rest as funds for services, medications etc

[@armistice968]

malaysia is the least place for you to do humanitarian project and i am a malaysian, our own country has independent ngos and companies that are always out there for csr projects

[@BarknoorZ]

It sounds to me like America in general, not just in this situation but in many situations, likes teaching its people the idea that they are capable of being everyone else's savior, because they have it "better" than the rest. It sounds to me, like they want these countries to remain in need, so they can remain their only "help".

[@amyckan]

@@BarknoorZ possibly. my school was in Singapore, but it was private/international so it was very based around giving back and doing service. But yeah i agree about the wanting people to seem in need in order to get that 'achieved/accomplished' feeling

[@themudpit621]

A house built by 17 year olds? Mate, don't worry, nobody in Tonga is thinking they need to rely on you lol. They were just waiting for you to go so they could fix the house!!

[@mhillis8086]

Haha I was thinking the same thing there’s heaps of Pacific Islander builders in my country and they almost always are better workers then locals

[@nadMoZzzg]

Lol what's wrong with that they should be 30? If they was commanded by an experienced builder, there is no need for a lot of intelligence

[@al8951]

@@nadMoZzzg Because 17 year old kids are maybe not as experienced in this

[@vakimk4417]

Why can't they just chase them.

[@slfprtrt]

@@nadMoZzzg you're just making a case for you only need one experienced builder and not a bunch of voluntourists.

[@frances4461]

I just hate that kids are taught that African is poor all over. There are rich and poor places. And there is a lot of money but politicians embezzle it and barely try to use it for the good of their country or state. That's why y'all see bad places. I'll be honest, I'm Nigerian and there are a lot of underdeveloped places in my country but there are AMAZING places to live and not everyone suffers in poverty. Tell me if I'm wrong.

[@afrobeatsislife1677]

I am Nigerian and you are not wrong

[@Saoirse3797]

Sorry what is your reference for “all kids are taught Africa is poor.” In school I learned about culture and there are some impoverished countries. My daughter is not taught this in school, she is also taught about culture all over the world, as well as religion and geography as well as arts.

[@frances4461]

@@Saoirse3797 Did I say "all kids"? I said "kids". Most kids

[@victoriarose8158]

kids are not taught that in schools they mostly see it in those ads on TV and stuff

[@missBonBons911]

I agree its so sad. It's definitely not mentioned enough! It's portrayed that way alot in the media. You see adverts all the time in the UK about how people are starving, there's droughts etc. They aren't specific about which parts of Africa they're talking about either, and its all very generalised

[@kong_kwan]

"White Savior" is not only for white people. It's more like "Rich Savior" We have rich and higher-middle-class people in my country go on humanitarian trips too. On top of that, it's an act that strokes their ego so well. I came across some of them that have the i-am-a-humanitarian-therefore-i-am-a-better-person-than-you attitude.

[@hinatalavigne909]

I mean, you're not wrong but most of these rich people are white so I would keep the "white savior" term anyways

[@maisie2730]

I totally agree it's definitely a class issue, same with the left wing in many western governments, thinking they're helping the poor working class or those poor black folk who can't work out their elbow from their ankle. That all they need to do is roll out social welfare programmes, that are, I think, sometimes necessary for the short-term but are used in the long-term and because those rich elites know so much better. They work to keep the poor, poor and voting labour/left.

[@nielsnielsen9013]

@@hinatalavigne909 You would keep it because... Why? Because they are mostly rich white people? Where is your evidence to this? And even if you were right, how is that contributing in any way? It's just another idiotic buzz word with no empirical data to support it - it will get drowned by people who would will describe it as such. Why target a new group of people? And besides, it is extremely ignorant and inconsiderate to just group races together. It's mostly americans doing this, and white or black americans are very different from white or black europeans. Just like you can't just denote someone as being purely "asian". It is a disgusting and ignorant trend in America and you should stop doing it. Instead, be smart, be intelligent even and call it what it actually is: Messiah complex and pathological altruism as "kshiftkometh" said. Keep that emotionally biased shit out of here you butthurt buffon.

[@maisie2730]

@@hinatalavigne909 You know people other than white can be charitable right? That they aren't all poor money/benefit scrubbers, that they have disposable income and the ability to be altruistic.

[@みよう-g2h]

In this situation, it is classism, and hence rich savior. But white savior is definitely a thing, when it comes to racism. It’s literally like, simping for minorities.

[@danieltrue1689]

One girl that I knew went on a "Humanitarian trip" building homes in Africa when she was a teen. She forgot her backpack at the job site, and went back to get it. She got there and found a local construction company fixing all the teens' shoddy workmanship. The foreman of the construction company even told her that a lot of the kids that they were getting pictures with were kids of the construction crew, and not kids in need. They kept sending in the kids to get pictures with to slow them down, so the construction crew would have less to fix in the evenings.

[@Xiaotian88]

Oh my God, I would have been completely embarrassed in her place 😐 I hope she told this to the organizers of the trip so they know that they are actually creating problems. Anyway, who thinks that a bunch of teenagers will be able to build a proper house? 😒

[@gwynnapnudd702]

One group of girls was building a road in a remote part of Morocco. They naturally wore shorts as all construction workers do(!), thus grossly insulting the local people and putting themselves in danger. It became a national incident with one official asking, Do Euro-American construction workers usually wear shorts? He knew the answer. The girls just had to show off their legs, despite it not being appropriate in terms of the ferocious sun, the rough nature of the work, and the social mores of the local people. One quarter of women in the Peace Corps end up getting raped.

[@AK-jt7kh]

@@Xiaotian88 I find it hard to believe that the organizers of the trip don’t know what they’re doing.

[@Xiaotian88]

@@AK-jt7kh In that case, I'd say the organizers are running an outright scam. As I understand, people joining those humanitarian trips are paying quite some money for them. And by being registered as a humanitarian organization, you can probably get a tax reduction. So actually, these organisations are doing "feel-good" trips for privileged teenagers under the pretence of humanitarianism. It's probably more profitable than a regular tourist company.

[@magwit123]

@@gwynnapnudd702 Construction workers are usually men but yes they often take of their shirts when it's hot. Guess what nobody cares. Your story says more about your culture then about those girls. It doesn't make you look good.

[@thevoicejb8898]

As a man that lost EVERYTHING to a hurricane. Help was help no matter who or where it came from. There were young and old helping to rebuild the community from everywhere. We had nothing, but them coming in to help was all that mattered. If they had came and not lifted a finger it still showed compassion and reassured me and my family we were not alone or forgotten in our moment of hopelessness. We as humanity must learn we are not a title i am you and you are me. In this world we never know when we may need someone's compassion.

[@zen0vi]

Well there's that and there's going to a random country in Africa (because yk, in addition to Africa being one big country it's also only slums apparently) and do base level things that have zero effect on people nor help them in any way. This type of humanitarian work is just to feel good and tell people you did it.

[@thevoicejb8898]

@@zen0vi agreed its completely wrong to go there under false pretenses. The people of the land are majority "of the land". Saying, most love their simple lives and arent looking to be lavishly living but, comfortable in their own standards. There are very well established countries on the continent of Africa also, not all slums, but just as humanitarians come to fulfill their false sense of humanitarianism which is sickening, many come to take resources and land etc..as well for the betterment of their life and agenda. Even the wild are a target for poachers. It has been that way and will be that way until they change it. The fake humanitarian may fool KZbin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat but, they will have their karma in the end. Here in America we have our own share of homelessness, and slums, and disaster as well but to close to home ig and looks like us (not good for likes). The choices we make today will be tomorrow's answer. It's sad to manipulate the less fortunate for personal gain or title but, that's the sad generational story of many peoples lives the poor empty souls.

[@deshaabernathy482]

Love this

[@saraht1367]

"People who aren't part of a community, don't best understand that community's problems". Speak on it, Hyram. Yes. Great video.

[@abbymarievlogs]

I’m your 1k like

[@justineaurelio4874]

Damn scrolled down at the same time he said it

[@mitri5389]

problem is they have too many fucking kids and not enough jobs for their population.

[@SaudiLiving1]

They bring high schooler to build a house while there are fully capable grown men in the country.. how ridiculous.

[@ThePartTimeCreator]

Grown men and women x

[@chrisfarmer6893]

It actually hurts the local economy, because the people there who could have gotten jobs building a school or whatever, are replaced by outsiders working for free. Like he explained in the video, things would be 100 times better for the community if you just collected the money the teenagers paid, and used it as wages for local workers to do the task. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@bloedjohan7602]

Yes. Like hire men and women of the country, teach them how to do it and pay them for it. Maybe after the business has grown stable, they can continue to do so on theit own.

[@chrisfarmer6893]

@@bloedjohan7602 often there are already locals who have those skills. Especially construction! How did all the existing buildings get there in the first place, were they all built by foreign volunteer kids? 🤷🏼‍♀️ In the video he even says that locals would try to help but they were not allowed to participate. It's one thing if you're a doctor or engineer with special skills. But there's no way an average middle class teenager can contribute more than a person living in the area who has experience working for a living.

[@kats.5958]

EXACTLYYYY

[@RosefrmVenus]

Reasons: 1. Promotes reliance 2. Disempowers communities 3. Immature spending 4. Breeds white saviourism How can you help with your money? 1. Financially supporting ethical organizations who understand the communities. Watch the video for a detailed explanation. I 100% agree as i live in a country who receives such aid.

[@raquelcampelo1493]

also, I think a valid point is: if you want to go, find something that you can actually help using your skills (as medical, or egineering, etc.) and work with something that is a real need to the community.

[@natelevinson8500]

who knows where god wants to take you tho

[@miriamhavard7621]

But if white people are the ones with the money..........🤔🤨🤷🌺

[@victoriap1649]

Thanks so much for your input. This video was really informative. I always knew these trips were promoting white saviorism, but it’s great to understand more fully and know how we can actually help

[@apbern4797]

Research your charites, there are ones that actually teach skills to people like Caritas

[@Mallowolf]

This ‘teens building houses to help’ initiative is also done in my country. And honestly, most teens have shoddy craftsmanship, were not taught about construction before starting, and seemed to mostly be there to feel better about their own lives. “If you want to solve a problem, you need to learn what the problem is.” This!! Great video all around.

[@mahdishurrab1077]

I am a young man, I am 25 years old, and I love a girl and I want to marry her, but my financial circumstances do not allow me to complete this marriage, because I do not have a job that secures the marriage obligations for me. Can you help me?🥺

[@kasia3582]

VOLUNTEER LOCALLY!! Chances are there are tons of homeless shelters, animal shelters, boys and girls clubs in your own neighbourhood and city. There are children starving and not being able to go to school in your own backyard. Of course we should be helping third world countries recover from the imperialism we forced upon them, but your money and labour can be used so much more effectively at home.

[@pgum123gonowplayread4]

Find ways to help projects.

[@xestien]

By "we forced upon them", who is "we"

[@kasia3582]

@@xestien white people

[@xestien]

@@kasia3582 ok, I was just confused. "We" would usually make me think that that statement was directed to everyone. Thanks for the explanation.

[@SelenaY.1331]

I would like to add to volunteer in the foster care system. Foster care tends to be ignored which is very hurtful(I left foster care at 18) and sad because those kids are in your communities and schools.

[@TheCinnamondemon]

Omg I looked at the thumbnail like “Hey that looks like the skin care guy”

[@Mae-nw6cv]

Mariam Diallo OMGGG I WAS THINKING THIS TOO and I literally couldn't tell if it was him or not, but them after seeing his two plants lmao realized it was him and your commented also just supported what I was just thinking

[@melinthebuilding]

SAME FFYJHFHJ

[@jvan9581]

I thought that too! Skincare junkies alert!

[@emilymarie596]

SAME

[@paulinamacias2944]

Omg me too!

[@nolomoussy9407]

this is the first time i hear someone ACTUALLY OPENLY talking about this

[@carolgiangreco6548]

Paul Theroux, the famous travel writer extraordinaire, gave me my first glimpse into this phenomenon. He spoke about non-profit personnel who were essentially unaware of the local population and their needs. They'd be the ones in the $40,000 Jeep who wouldn't pick up someone who needed a ride.

[@martharigby]

now google "popular education paulo freire"

[@esolgeorge]

Thank you for this. I went to Guatemala with Habitat for Humanity for 10 days each summer, 2014-2019, and hope to resume, post-COVID. I am glad to say that they are very up-front about letting the volunteers know that the local masons and laborers are in charge of the construction of the houses and latrines, and we are laborers and, through our trip fees, donors. The local HFH organization and the home buyers have identified their own needs without our input, but are grateful for the "hand up" that we contribute. Your video makes some very powerful, important points that I was first introduced to by a HFH leader in one of our nightly reflection sessions. I am glad I chose Habitat for the reasons you describe.

[@loretohidalgo3533]

We call this social tourism here. Basically its when rich people travel to "help" poor localities building houses but its mostly a exprience for themselves, like a yoga class or sth you do to feel better person, woke etc

[@supersmoothify]

Yes yes. And one of the student organization (aisec) at my university still constantly promotes and wants you to take part in that poverty tourism trips

[@DragonFellowship]

Lmao you guys low-key Just hate rich people. No matter what they do they can't win

[@tomhego1]

We always referred to it as "voluntourism"

[@skylovermc2146]

Loreto Hidalgo You should not assume

[@MAGEBEATS]

Alex Zoldyck the correlation:

[@CuteCrazyCatgirl]

Mom and I aren't well that off, and when I was about 7 years old our rich family friends bought me a new karate belt that I needed for the lessons (the belt was super expensive). Mom payed them back for it later when she got her salary, yet the daughter (my age) went around in the karate group bragging about how her family had helped me because "her and her mom are poor". Will NEVER forget the humiliation, and how angry and embarrassed mom got when I told her. So many valid points in this video, and I'm glad I found it before going on a stupid humanitarian trip (I really wanted to go on one when I was younger)

[@polskibekon5424]

CamoCat aww im sorry 🥺

[@TheKim369]

I was made to feel totally humiliated over a penny, I offered the penny so someone else could have exact change. We were the poor family, but I had an extra penny. Her dad said, no, they wouldn't be taking a penny from me. It's not even close to your belt, but I think the same flavor. You can still travel, just call it travel, and if you want to help people, stay home and use the airfare and help some of the local people in need. And if, you decide to travel and see a chance to help someone, then do it. But learn a lot about the country first, sometimes offers of help can be humiliating. You know you can teach english as a foreign language, it's very helpful, and while you're there, find opportunities to help some of the people you get to know. You'd be fairly safe that way and get to integrate a bit. Don't give up on helping, it can be a rewarding part of life, as long as you do it for the other person and not yourself. I wish you the very best.

[@CuteCrazyCatgirl]

@@polskibekon5424 It's okay!

[@CuteCrazyCatgirl]

@@TheKim369 Yup, same flavor there :( That sucks, imagine thinking that the poorer person cannot make an active choice themselves and choose to give a PENNY to a friend. Thank you for the advice too, you're right. I'm currently learning French and I have my mind set on studying to become a doctor so I can actually offer valuable help (and also learn new skills from other doctors) in French speaking countries (or locally, or in English speaking countries), but reading up on culture and country is sooo important I agree. Judging by the healthcare situation in my homecountry, it might be best for me to actually stay and help out here though... Helping out seems like a good way to live life. Thank you for the advice, wish you the very best back :)

[@TheKim369]

@@CuteCrazyCatgirl I'm excited for you, a friends brother volunteers every other year with Doctors Without Borders and listening to him makes me wish I was a doctor. They mostly pay their own expenses, but get to make a huge impact on people's lives, and also learn from each other, learn about other cultures, and make some great friendships! You can help at home an elsewhere too, it's like the best of everything. (As to the penny story, I was about 11, we were going to the local pool, rather than take my penny, we had to wait in the hot sun for countless minutes while her father looked around the house for penny, such a small incident, but I never forgot it). Where I live now, I will have flip flops worn thin, I would say, ready for the trash. Rather than give them to someone, I put them out, neatly, by the curb, (that means anyone can take them) they still have lots of uses and never sit there more than an hour or two. I predict you will have a great life and the world will be better for it too!

[@mischaclarke2468]

At my school we have “humanitarian” trips but instead of trying to fix problems, or teach English, they were sent to learn about their culture and not try to enforce ours. They spent a few days with different families and at different schools to learn about their daily lives. That’s why my school doesn’t like calling it humanitarian trips but just school trips. And when they come back they all want to go back and stay with the kids they got to know. They were never sent to build anything, they weren’t sent to feed anyone, they were sent to learn.

[@IK-pi9bj]

Love this. I've always been insulted by students who go to other countries (it's always Malawi where I am from) and decide to build a home/school. No qualifications, no experience, 3 months on the job shit show. Students who can't even select the right setting on a washing machine and who would normally never be allowed near a building site in a first world country. Then they take their pics, tweet about how unfair the world is and how they wish they could change it, Facebook photos of them hugging underprivileged kids, finish their summer and leave. And, of course add it to the CV to boost their employability. Meanwhile, the shit building they constructed is torn down and rebuilt by actual experts smh

[@blkbarbie2671]

Yep that’s my favourite part of ‘exchange student trips’ because shit, they got that right at least! We exchange knowledge about each other’s culture and lives and gain new perspective on the world as we’ve always known it. I live in the UK and I’ve only been to France so far, but I’m going to South Africa in a couple of years and we’ve had Dutch and Australian exachange students come to our school. I wish we could do a trip to a country in Asia so that we are more well rounded though.

[@zeoceania2765]

@@blkbarbie2671 as an Asian living in the UK, I'd love to go to Asia as a school trip. We don't even get taught much about Asia

[@deborahlee7496]

Sounds awesome

[@blackcath3dral]

deborah lee sounds awesome, sounds *awesome?* you don’t understand this disgusting world. Your probably very young and just don’t understand. Oh you’ll learn soon.

[@FRISHR]

“Give people fish, you feed them for a day. Teach people to fish, you feed them for a lifetime.”

[@dayton900]

lmao i looked at the thumbnail and was like “wait that looks like hyram” and finished this video pleasantly surprised and educated

[@celestialart1477]

Monica Wilson me too!! I didn’t know he had another channel as well

[@alejandramartinez6581]

literally my experience

[@hailey785]

I thought the same thing XD

[@janabroflovski2572]

Same

[@sb0la]

Same 😂

[@alygetreal]

As a Black woman, my parents refused to allow me to go on these humanitarian trips to African Nations. Go to Nigeria to trace my family roots- allowed. Do charity work while I’m there- over their dead bodies. Turns out the church group I would have gone with were purposely disenfranchising the communities they were allegedly helping to promote their own message; they were run out of the country by 2011 by the government after Doctors Without Borders came in to actually intervene. It’s more dangerous for women of color to attend on these trips as it can be perceived as a betrayal of your people’s. You beautiful highlighted a larger problem in a nutshell. Thank you.

[@TheNinjapancake14]

I can relate, my parents are Nigerian aha! Sometimes missionary don't even want to learn about the area they're in either. You wonder why they even came

[@KateeAngel]

Religious missionaries were never about helping people, they were always about spreading a religion!

[@kaylaschregardus4062]

so is Doctors Without Borders a good organization that actually helps? I was actually recently looking into them and Peace Corps.

[@kaylaschregardus4062]

@@KateeAngel Please do not label all religious missionaries as negative because of this unfortunate scenario. You, some ARE in fact about spreading religion, but you need to realize a lot of the times pastors can have connections with international pastors and their goal is to spread religion overseas, cause that's why they want, not always a bad thing. My pastor has been friends with a pastor in Africa(forgot what part) for many years. He has done work there in Africa like preaching and promoting Christianity, which the pastor in africa had a christian church there as well. There are different purposes of "religious missionary" work basically, humanitarianism isnt the same thing.

[@lisaisa]

@@kaylaschregardus4062 This. Missionaries and humanitarian organisations are not the same!

[@feodik]

Totally agree. There are things that can be changed only by locals and time. I'm from Ukraine, former USSR. When I was a kid, our country was in terrible situation after USSR stopped it existance. At school we were told that we'll be hosting American visitors, who want to get aquainted with us! We were so happy! Many of us were fascinated by the English language and new culture for us, films, music, so everyone was waiting for the day of arrival. That day we were asked to dress festively) So our long-awaited guests greeted us and started filming us. Then they began to explain what a camera is! Then each was handed a pencil with the emblem of Texas, and they began to explain what the pencil was for. After it they asked, do we know what ketchup is, and told us, they brought ketchup and toilet paper. It was so humiliating. That day me and my friend were returning home in complete silence. I cried.

[@josephdahdouh2725]

Ouff. Honestly I would have laughed at Americans if they came here and told me that. You shouldn't have cried, you should have laughed at their ignorance

[@kayleighgriva4817]

Oh the ignorance makes me so angry

[@p5yearsago931]

I'm so sorry you had to experience that. People here in america arent the sharpest lol

[@kalsimits]

I am sorry that you experienced that. Same thing happened here, I live in a city called New Delhi in India and in an exchange program people from America came here and they thought we didn't even have air conditioning here. And it's not like my city doesn't have good facilities or isn't developed.

[@twilighthairball]

A friend of my brother used to work in telecommunications, specifically online Spanish clases for English speakers. When they asked where she was from, and she told them Costa Rica, they were shocked that she had internet and a computer. We are the second most developed country in Central America for a reason, duh.

[@MasterKoala777]

It’s like a feel-good summer camp / theme park experience. The part where missionaries are not allowed to let locals help in building is very weird, to say the least. It’s an unspoken sign that “this is really for us, not you.” Very eye opening.

[@vicsar]

I am a victim of this system. One of the things I hated the most was that they took my pictures, pictures of my sister, brother and mother and used them without ever asking for permission in several campaigns they had, that is humiliating as it gets, even if you don't know the people for which the campaigns are targeted you know that people coming to visit you from these organizations see you as "the poor guy in need of help". I remember when I was a teenager, several beautiful girls came in those trips, I even had a crush on one of them; however, I was so ashamed to meet them, you know, been my own age and knowing how they would perceive me... not good for your self esteem, I can assure you. It can even break your heart. Another side effect is that you are shunned away by the community, some of them outright hated me and they had no problem expressing that; I have some memories of when I was a 8~10 year old kid some of the people in the community felt jealousy for the help my family was getting and used to compare the benefits they would get versus the ones we got from this organization. Some of the kids would not play with me because they knew I was the kid the volunteers visited all the time and they believed we had no resources to even afford food that placed me and my siblings in a poor light among our peers. That can mess up your life in so many ways at that age. The mother Teresas of the world only promote poverty, they need it to fulfill their own spiritual gaps and to keep their holier-than-thou attitude in shape. I am glad there is people like this guy who can see beyond their nose and denounce this sort of abuse. *My humble opinion based on my life experience.

[@MusicMAAD]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏽

[@l.s.d.5863]

​@@klnj9714 lol Mother Teresa was a fraud, a thief, and a bigot. Do your research. Lived exactly like those who were suffering? Give me a break. She literally denied medicine and painkillers to those in need, citing that suffering made them closer to Jesus, and then went and got top notch medical care herself, with enough painkillers to get a horse high. And don't even get me started on the MILLIONS of dollars that she accepted through her charity, which never made it to the poor, and was never accounted for again. Roughly 93% of donations, I believe. Never seen again. If Hell were real, she'd be burning it, friend.

[@adfghsfol]

​@@l.s.d.5863 for a second, i believed to so many people still think about Teresa as a some Saint. Glad to see your comment.

[@maloryj7165]

@@klnj9714 her #1 purpose was spreading catholicism. She exploited the sick & poor in the interest of the church.

[@rc59191]

@@klnj9714 Teresa is not a saint she let people suffer and die instead of giving them morphine because she thought it would bring them closer to Jesus. Speaking as a Christian and someone who suffers from pain it doesnt bring you closer to anything except suicide.

[@scottring6514]

Why would you want unskilled 17 year olds building houses any way?

[@monsterrr1999]

Scott Ring Exactly so what the point of those useless missionary trips to Africa???

[@7lawaneeena]

@@monsterrr1999 to feel good about yourself???

[@s.a.8548]

@@7lawaneeena Now that's sad.

[@theresanikitaellenoir485]

Yea thooo

[@marthagardeva7797]

cheap work hand

[@luriello02]

I think this "white savior" thing is even weirder when comes from not-really developed countries. I'm brazilian, and I remember I had a friend in highschool that would say that she wanted to become a doctor so she could go help African kids (she's black herself). It really got me thinking, like, why would you go all the way to Africa to help some poor people when you have miserable and hungry people right on your face, on your own city?

[@mccperin]

Oh my god, yes! I too, am brazilian, and goddamn... I study at a catholic school that its 'brand' is very widespread across the world. We had a meeting in the study hall with this lady who'd became a novice and her + other nuns were going to Moçambique to 'help the children'. Couldn't they just go to a local community and donate to them there? It seems like they are only trying to spread the religion (which I'm sure they are!).

[@luriello02]

@@mccperin Yes! A lot of times they just do this to "christianize" them. They do the same with the indigenous...

[@melissaann513]

But this also points out that this isn't a race issue at all. I'm so tired of the obsession on race lately. Like only white people go on humanitarian trips? No other races live in western countries and go on humanitarian trips except ignorant white people? I agree with the main idea he has about aid and humanitarianism but its not a white savior issue its a westerner culture issue.

[@luriello02]

@@melissaann513 I know this. It's just because English isn't my first language so I couldn't find the exact term I wanted to use. Sorry if it sounded rude

[@camilakleinpaul1699]

I also know a girl that wanted the same thing, go to med school and take part in the "médico sem fronteiras" program. But she lived in a fucked up city in the South, so why the hell not just help her family? Lol

[@freebirdjackson5511]

The Soft bigotry of low expectations aimed at communities we deem as underdeveloped. This is part of being young, earnest and uniformed. Reminds of myself at his age. Then you get older and understand the real world.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

As someone who grew up in abject poverty, I *love* this video. Dude, you're dead right on all counts. Pride is vital. Being given opportunities to pull yourself up and out is so important. Self-reliance must be cultivated. Because it's way too easy to fall into a pattern of depressed dependence. When I was a teenager we had no food... again. So I borrowed a .22 and went hunting. I brought home rabbits and we had a delicious dinner of stewed rabbit meat. I was so proud of myself and I thought I'd found a long-term solution for our food shortage problem. I excitedly told my friend the story and she told her parents. Rather than understand that I was proud to have taken the initiative to solve a problem for my family, they went on a pity party. They showed up at our place with bags of expired canned goods and old, freezer-burned hamburger. And a freaking social worker who was trying to explain what food stamps were and that we didn't need to eat 'filthy animals'. My mother was humiliated and ripped me apart after everyone left. I was ashamed of being poor and felt about as big as a flea for a long time after that. The cans of expired beans and cranberry sauce sat in the cupboard for more than a year gathering dust and reminding me of how shameful our situation was. Now that I'm older I understand that everyone did what they did because they had big hearts, but people forget that poor people need respect, too. ASK them what they need. Don't TELL them what they need. And, for the love of gawd, do NOT 'take the initiative' to 'solve their problems' without asking permission first. Respect people's boundaries and listen.

[@Iudicatio]

I can't imagine giving someone expired food. Like "we were going to throw it in the trash but..." If you wouldn't eat it yourself why would you give it to someone else.

[@janellephoenix4378]

Can relate to your story. My family had to kill rabbits and fish because we couldn’t afford a lot of food and it took us 2 hours to travel over the mountains to get to grocery stores. We also grew our own vegetables and canned them. And many families around us also did the same thing. It was sort of cultural, too since we lived in Appalachia.

[@milkandspice1074]

@@janellephoenix4378 You probably ate better/healthier than most people. Although, I understand the need for convenience.

[@jellojackalopes]

@@Iudicatio It's far more common than you'd think. I volunteered at a food pantry for about half my time in high school. I cannot even begin to count the number of bags filled with dusty expired food we got as "donations". And I'm talking years and years out of date. It always baffled me why people would donate food that can't be eaten. It's not even sort of helpful. The worst part was that we had to waste a lot of time sorting out and disposing of the inedible food, so it was quite the opposite of helpful. I distinctly remember some lady donating this massive heap of way outdated food. She said she'd cleaned all the expired food out of her basement, and at least the "more unfortunate people" might be willing to eat it. There were cans of preserved peaches that RATTLED when you shook them. We wound up throwing every last bit of that bulk donation away.

[@Iudicatio]

@@jellojackalopes Yes I remember the advice that if you donate to a food pantry you should always donate money. The people need fresh meat and produce more than anything and the food pantry employees can get bulk discounts. The only situation I ever had similar to OPs friend was when my friend ran out of money for food for a few days. So I bought whatever he told me and he cooked it ( he's a way better cook than me) and yeah it costed more than I would spend otherwise. But if you don't give out of something you want for yourself then it's not much of a gift.

[@pumpkinsandme6238]

There's a great book called "When Helping Hurts" that talks about these issues.

[@JuliaMcIntyre]

Whose the author?

[@olivertheclockwork7994]

I need to know the Author!!!!!

[@velvetsisnotsoft]

The author is Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett

[@rachelbetts7600]

Pumpkins and Me another great book that touches on these issues is “toxic charity” for those who are interested!

[@min_nad]

Thank you!

[@abiro3966]

This is such a powerful, and underrated view on “volun-tourism”, there is so much academic grounding on why this kind of humanitarian work is often not effective.

[@centuryfiles9558]

I think volunteering in a foreign country is ok if you were to take a group and teach a trade, to stimulate some self reliant economy that would sustain itself after the tourist left. I don’t think this is as bad because anyone can teach you a trade (no savior complex) rather than “spoon feeding” the community and nit solving any real issues

[@abiro3966]

Elli Arellano the thing is the point of voluntourism is the opposite of this, it’s to take unqualified students or backpackers who want to say they “helped” and then charge them to do this

[@patriciae3082]

@@centuryfiles9558 The issue really is that it takes quite a bit of time to actually teach a trade. If you're going to live in a place for a year, you're not a tourist, you're living there and getting involved in the community. But if you're going for a week and thinking that you'll teach someone something, it's just not true.

[@patriciae3082]

Volun-tourism is very different from humanitarian work. Dropping in for a week to teach yoga at an orphanage is volun-tourism. Doctors and nurses propping up a weak health system after a cyclone destroys a hospital in a remote area that is already not able to meet the healthcare needs of its citizens is humanitarian work. The Red Cross/Habitat for Humanity working together to help people find housing/medical care and then rebuild after a tornado in the US wipes out a town is humanitarian work. Nothing run by human beings will ever be without mistakes that can be corrected, but it's just wrong to lump those two categories together because it's inaccurate.

[@abiro3966]

Patricia E No, actually what he’s describing is literally volun-tourism, he’s not a qualified doctor or nurse or practitioner . The definition is literally “a form of tourism in which travellers partcipate in vomuntary work, usually a charity”. Academically, this usually refers to students, backpackers or tourists who pay an organisation so they can volunteer in area. The voluntary work is usually unskilled labour, teaching etc. and usually for a time that is too short to make any real impact

[@betsybattles2696]

"The law of unintended consequences" also known as "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

[@frankpontone2139]

These "humanitarian hypocrites" are the same kind of people who will travel 10,000 miles to "help" someone in need but won't walk 100 feet to help their neighbor.

[@pleasant_asymmetry]

Yeah, these trips also act like there's no issues in America or Europe, mutual aid groups or traditional volunteer opportunities could certainly need the help

[@caroliner2029]

Those people are Narcissists who are all about virtue signalling, facade and a social profile.

[@zalamael]

@@caroliner2029 Yup, nailed it. They do it for purely selfish reasons. If they were forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement, preventing them from bragging about it, they would lose interest pretty fast. Such people are only interested in helping themselves. Besides, most of them have found something new to virtue signal about these days (Veganism and Environmentalism), which requires far less effort on their part. All they have to do is talk about it all the time, and look down on anyone who 'isn't doing their part' (kind of like the Hyrbid drivers in that South Park episode).

[@shuvamrajbanshi5651]

Not paying full wages or support the person you know is in need. But go to a charity event & donate

[@jamilgotcher5456]

It reminds me of that saying "Everyone wants to save the world but nobody wants to help Mom do the dishes."

[@a.m.h.a.9760]

My secondary school has a "sister" school in Tanzania. One of our teachers visits the school multiple times a year and in turn their headteacher visits us(he is incredibly sweet and kind). One year when he came over he seemed quite sad and we had found out that some American "charity" had gone to the school while they were away and had built a very poorly made "water tank". The "tank" had multiple holes in and there was no way to properly drain it. This caused a shallow depth of water to remain in the open tank. Shallow water and hot weather is the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and malaria. 3 young children had died from the malaria caused by the water tank and the placement of the tank also cut off the only entrance to the school food garden, so some of the children went hungry (the school being the only place where they were given the closest thing to a meal, especially the many orphans in the village). Just to remind you, the tank was 100% not authorized to be built on the school grounds and this made the headteacher (who thinks of all of his students as his children, and some looking up to him as their father) felt absolutely helpless and responsible for the deaths of the 3 children as he did know what the water in the tank could cause. The teachers of the school already had to deal with having to teach 100 student classes, while one of the class rooms was out of use because it was structurally unstable. As a school we simply help provide the smallest amount of money to help support the demolish ment and reconstruction of the new class rooms and only for anything that school desperately needs and asks for (which hasn't been much).

[@Sleipnirseight]

Damn, of that isn't the perfect example of unwanted charity causing more harm than good, I don't know what is

[@rosebud8222]

I feel incredibly overwhelmed by all of this. I hope you can get through this without anymore losses. It is truly saddening what these actions have caused. ♥️

[@islabonita6304]

It saddens me to know this happened. Thank you for sharing this story, I hope financial help is sent to the school and the water to the garden can be saved too. I wish I could donate.

[@rathelmmc3194]

Your story reminds me of the opening scene of Team America.

[@AM-kr4pv]

@JW McCabe is that what you really got out of that? You might benefit from seeing a therapist if your initial reaction to considering solutions to how exactly to support the people we share the planet with in a helpful and nor selfish way, is to decide to not help your fellow man at all and in fact deprive people of any aid. Seems indicative of either a sense of hopelessness and depression or a severe lack of empathy. Also you'd be surprised how much of the resources we have in first world countries are from impoverished nations. We'd be just as disadvantaged if we stopped exchange. The real issue is that we've depleted and often even outright stolen their resources and taken power out from under their feet from colonialism. You know that Haiti up until recently had to pay back reparations to France because they lost money from the people of Haiti rebelling and refusing to be slaves for them? Well into the 21st century a huge European global power was taking money from a tiny island nation basically as punishment for not being slaves any longer. They never even got to start from nothing, they started with their hands tied behind their backs. And your solution is basically genocide because you're pissed someone mentioned that kids died due to misguided aid. What a sad sad mentality.

[@marissagonzalez9285]

A question to ask when looking into ‘helping people:’ AM I QUALIFIED? If you don’t know how to teach English, don’t go teach English. If you don’t know how to build houses, don’t go build houses. Also- don’t go somewhere to fix something, community leaders have to do that themselves, you don’t have the insight to understand the complexities of a problem in a place you’re not from. Without knowing the culture, language, history, etc of an issue, any ‘solution’ is probably harmful or unsustainable

[@Sleipnirseight]

Exactly. Apparently on many such trips, precious time and resources are lost with locals trying to teach humanitarians how to build, dig, cook, etc. when it would be faster and easier for the locals to just do it themselves without these tourists slowing them down.

[@missylarsson3517]

Xerxes Philea Yeah, start orphanages and pay LOCALS to run and work there so that the children can get the support from staff who’s not only there for a week or a month, but who actually can offer more long going support.

[@gundaleine]

But then you have to do very careful monitroing. Because often these kinds of orphanages get money per child, so naturally the owners want more children and buy them or kidnap them away from living parents. Search LUMOS for more info.

[@chriscamaso5198]

THIS! Hyram didn’t touch on this specifically, but there’s a reason why international development is its own field. Voluntourism and all these corporate organizations (including Me to We tbh) make qualified, informed, professional work harder.

[@cinnamonroll96]

Agreed!! And it’s not even just for this topic!

[@ellier2018]

This is so eye opening! I went on a trip to a Romanian orphanage 3 years ago and it was amazing but I often wondered how the kids would feel when we left after 2 weeks of letting them get attached to us. I wondered if we were just another voluntourism group swinging in to “save” these kids. Some stuff definitely didn’t feel really right. Thanks for putting a name to this!

[@hazeld3703]

Just wondering if your group required background checks for attendees?

[@citizenoftheearth6]

some serious orphanages require longer stay for that exact reason. on the other side, those kids need as much love as we can give them, no matter for how long.

[@president234]

Are you that vain to think that those kids thought you were such an amazing person, they would just completely attach themselves to you?

[@neotyppe4469]

You know what's also messed up? When i was in elementary school we had a mandatory project where we would donate a shoebox of toys and shoes to africa. But the thing is, my family was poor aswell. So i had to donate even though we would have benefitted from help from the community.

[@annie_xo]

WilltheNeo oh wow your comment made me recover a memory I had completely forgot. I’m not sure what grade I was in, I think 5th or 6th, but we had a project where we packed big boxes with clothes and things to send to kids in need in Eastern Europe (I’m from Sweden), and everyone put their name and address so they could write us back if they wanted to. I don’t remember if I did but some of the kids in my class formed long lasting penpal friendships.

[@guinevereinthefield176]

WilltheNeo Yes, it’s like poverty doesn’t exist when it suits certain people!

[@alexbenavidez4500]

Every year at Christmas we do this in the UK! It's frustrating because the amount of time, money and resources spent on sending these shoeboxes to impoverished children, could have been spent on improving their infrastructure and community economy, not on gifting them sweets and toys so you can feel good about giving a starving African child a Christmas present.

[@annie_xo]

Alex Benavidez agreed! I’m definitely not against charity but I think it needs to 1) be sustainable and 2) start where you already are. There are thousands of families with young children struggling to make ends meet here in Sweden, and elderly people living in poverty, and homeless people (many with mental illness), massively underfunded women’s shelters, you name it who need all the help and resources they can get. You can’t really help anyone before you make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

[@RubySaphire8889]

@@alexbenavidez4500 yup had the same thing in my class in uk and still happening. I never did partake. My mother always handing a written letter to my teacher as to why not and what we would do instead.

[@Kotifilosofi]

I heard that the traditional clothing is disappearing on streets of some African countries, since so many "cloth aid" (used clothes no-one in the Western countries wants anymore) is shipped there with such a low price that no local artisan can make clothes that cheap. So this form of charity is literally destroying cultures. Edit. A lot of people have commented how I wanted the second hand clothes shipping to be stopped completely. That's not true. I just feel like too much is shipped, just to move the Western problems elsewhere. Just like pointed in the first replies, so much clothes is being shipped that there's no demand for all of it and they become an environmental problem in the African countries. There's more production by fast fashion brands than anyone can consume, on any country in the world. So, those who ship used clothes to any country, should be more responsible about it. As well as those who receive the clothes in those countries. I don't really know who to blame. Also, if you feel like there's absolutely no negatives about the second-hand cloth shipping to your country, let me know! Also, people have pointed out how I think everyone in Africa are poor and I apologize if I gave that impression. I just like traditional clothes around the world a lot and that made me write the comment. Keep on discussing, it's interesting to learn more :) and please be polite thanks!

[@faridamohamed2542]

Kotifilosofi clothes donated are usually sold by cartels who ship containers from the west. You’re right, even not necessarily traditional clothes... factories that made ‘normal’ clothes are mostly shut down

[@Kotifilosofi]

@@faridamohamed2542 thank you for the additional info. This whole thing just makes me mad.

[@Kotifilosofi]

@@faridamohamed2542 also the fact that Westerners think the clothes we donate for free are given to the poorest for free. We have no idea the amount of clothes shipped to African countries is overwhelming, and also it's not even charity anymore soon as the clothes arrive there. Basically we just get rid of our garbage and being proud while doing so. We really need to be more careful and actually demand we get to know what happens to the donated stuff.

[@Death_Bliss]

Oh well, this is just neo-colonialism, isn't it? Loss of traditional culture because of cheaper, Western articles.

[@nadjak3410]

Not only that. The majority of clothing donations is never sold and has to rot in landfills creating a huge environmental hazard in those countries. It's not so much about clothing donations it's about shipping our garbage to other countries.

[@leahkrokowski]

The most cringe- worthy part of the social media sharing is how often I’ve seen photos of people from these communities on dating profiles like Tinder 😭

[@BloodOfMadara]

Leah Krokowski Oh dear god, say it isn’t so 🤦‍♀️

[@FlashemisArrow]

Leah Krokowski we hate to see it

[@politereminder6284]

😂😂😂

[@queengirl5595]

Leah Krokowski I knew a girl who went on trips like these and she actually dated a guy who was on the mission she worked on. And she’d go back several times to see him again. Which I was like “uhmm he’s stuck there and you are there as a temporary distraction” she eventually broke up with him. I felt really bad for him. He would send her flowers online internationally from Haiti.

[@queengirl5595]

Leah Krokowski and by temporary distraction I mean she wasn’t there to live. She was there on her mission and she got to go back to warm bed and huge apartment. While he still lived in poverty.

[@asingurajoyce8970]

Am from Uganda and I have seen such humanitarian groups but I have never felt more left out in my own country or helpless and less involved with such groups than my own people......I feel more at peace with out them than with them around

[@m.janski]

As I read somewhere: If you aren't considered skilled to do the job in your own country, you aren't skilled to do it in another country either.

[@Cbrunning849]

I used to work in the charity world for like 5 years. The amount of people that I met that fell into this over that time is hilarious. So true

[@sophieh.2986]

this is hilarious! so true

[@aikou2886]

That's debatable. I've known some English speakers that weren't good for anything in their homeland, then they travelled to a different country as English teachers, married a local and just stayed there. They were doing well, or at least better than they would in their homeland.

[@JorgePerez-zh8io]

@@aikou2886 I agree with your point, but I think that phrase applies to westerners going to “less developed” countries and trying to help out. If they are useless here, what good will they do somewhere “less developed”?

[@SharonVeeLee]

@@JorgePerez-zh8io they just said teaching English.

[@fayelitzinger9824]

can we just say hyram was the first “influencer” to actually “influence” me - I actually wash my face now - and now here he is caring about complicated problems in our global community. we cannot help but STAN

[@Roter_reis]

And he's unproblematic..!!!!!!!!! He's my fave on here 🥺♥

[@Omar-ir4gk]

we stan

[@chantalujeneza9315]

Me too , i am so impressed

[@Joeliejaa]

@Safiya He is a skin care youtuber, so he talks alot about washing your face :)

[@audreyearley8946]

WE HAVE NO CHOICE MADAM

[@theLatestkraze]

I’ll never forget how I felt when one of my high school friends went to the DR to “teach kids English” for a week. It felt so yucky when they came home, posted all the pictures and tried to brag about it and how much it “changed their life”. So extremely tone deaf and weird.

[@MechanicalMooCow]

I'll be willing to bet she is a nutso liberal too.

[@theLatestkraze]

Cortex she doesn’t really care about politics actually mostly just ego lol

[@juanaabadiebottcher5508]

As if the while world needed to know english, we are not supposed to be colonies anymore

[@djdhdbznzjjansxjxj]

Cortex probably a racist republican

[@rosie99991]

@@djdhdbznzjjansxjxj probably wouldn't be racist if they're 'teaching' (use that loosely taking in the context of the original comment) presumably POC english

[@fabulousinflorida]

Those who are actually doing the most good in the world generally don’t virtue signal about it on social media.

[@Cassim125]

Yes you will probably have no clue what they've done

[@MichaelBrown-cf6qt]

Be nice if they did.

[@killerkraut9179]

I think its true!

[@unknownpeep1772]

This man be givin me mental and physical glow up

[@ellielyndon1645]

❤️ i feel it too

[@carlmark4977]

periodt sis

[@mobutter2879]

Speak English!

[@worthlessdollar1]

@@mobutter2879 She be from the 'hood.

[@dronexfun8469]

You don't even need to leave the u.s., there are communities here that don't have sewer and water. Thanks a million for sharing man.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Sadly this is true, and one of the biggest lies about racism in America is that it's just people of color living in those kinds of conditions. The reality is that it's mostly white people and those living on poor reservations that live like that. It's got little to do with actual race and far more to do with how federal policy looks for ways of ignoring poverty to focus on things that don't involve tax money.

[@barbarakauppi9915]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade Or involve how to get their hands on some of that tax money....

[@sarahh6]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade keep in mind that tactics like redlining have contributed to keeping communities of Colour poor for decades. I do agree, there are many poor white people in the US living in horrible conditions tho.

[@liamcronin8110]

exactly my thoughts

[@liamcronin8110]

@@SmallSpoonBrigade well said poverty is not about colour im irish and plenty poverty here we are lucky in many ways being technically one of the richest countries but still poverty is rife as with all countries just varying degrees the man who lost an arm at the elbow envies him who lost at the wrist both problems are valid !

[@annambb26]

I once heard a quote that has stuck with me for years: ,,Trade not Aid" Communities typically don't need our aid, they need jobs to stimulate their economy. So the best thing to do for these "struggling" communities when visiting is to support their businesses. At least, that's what I've come to find whilst traveling.

[@ewingloren2766]

Yeah and these “mission takers” act like nothing is wrong with their home country when it’s the complete opposite

[@maisie2730]

Give them the tools to sort out the rampant governmental corruption and let capitalism and the ideals of freedom and libertarianism, seems like a very solid plan.

[@maisie2730]

This is also very applicable for the working class in every country, they don't need social welfare and a bloated saftety net, they need local community funding and engagement, small business tax credits and good quality education.

[@tachobrenner]

@@maisie2730 But safety nets are still in order. The US is pretty bad.

[@maisie2730]

@@tachobrenner I agree that they're necessary, I'm not someone who wants to get rid of them wholesale. The US does have a fairly good welfare system actually, they want it as a short-term safety net to stop people falling out the bottom, they're probably more careful about it than many countries, which I ultimately believe is good.

[@Andyyoureastar]

this is awkward to re-watch after viewing his skincare promotion ad of "Selfless" featuring children of Africa....How did that get the green light from hyram...

[@AP-ex6qz]

Hmm that is strange. Now that u mentioned it .... 😔

[@iburntmytoe3470]

was looking for this comment 😳 he changed his mind once he saw a monetary gain ?? idk :/

[@tsdobbi]

@@iburntmytoe3470 This is why I have limited trust of anyone making their hustle as a youtuber, IG etc. No matter what "good work" they are out to do. This is how they make their living. In some fashion the mission will take a back seat to generating income.

[@hasanmuttaqin464]

maybe it's an old ad and he hasn't removed it yet?

[@Space_spade]

Wait I don’t get it can anyone please explain

[@SarahZ]

i'm like 99% sure this guy is a debater, we stan

[@leporid257]

he has a channel where he bashes brands, so Yes xD

[@albinocify]

I love ur videos !!! lol

[@ceci9570]

Hey Sarah

[@nanaak8617]

Hi Sarahhh! # parasocial relationships Lol

[@codiefitz3876]

No, no, he’s gay

[@burrowss14]

As someone who has always been interested in humanitarianism, this was really insightful. I will definitely educate myself before attending any of these trips in the future. Thank you hyram!

[@pumpkinchoxolate9965]

Same!!

[@nazurahnorman4266]

Same! I felt the same way too, no wonder everytime I went out for volunteering there is always that feeling of 'is this really ok?'

[@chanaweinstein531]

You should research local shelters and other organizations in your area and see which ones are ethical and if they could use a hand. If you don't have the time, donating money is always amazing and helps these organizations plan for tomorrow and offer more support to the clients they help.

[@vanessaphanouvong5870]

Initially out of high school I was also very interested in humanitarian work, but then I watched a very informative tedtalk of a speaker who himself was from an impoverished country in Africa, and in his tedtalk he spoke of statistics where in the past, Africa in fact provided resources for other countries in times of crises. But that has been steadily declining, especially with all of the humanitarian work coming into prevalence--promoting reliance mentality. I will link it if I can find it again

[@burrowss14]

Vanessa Phanouvong id love to watch it!

[@bushrat97]

As a person living in a "third world" country and a daughter of refugees, I believe that there are two main things that need to be done: 1- fixing our own corrupt governments by ourselves (billions of dollars are stolen every year) 2- Western countries should STOP EFFIN ROBBING, DEHUMANIZING, AND INTERFERING WITH US. You think colonialism ended? THINK AGAIN! Every time the people of a developing country try to make a real change, a western country interferes to "enlighten them with democracy" and turns the whole region into a war zone. We don't need money, or expertise. There is abundant of both. JUST STOP INTERFERING!!! I know that humanitarians who come to help have good intentions, but sending troops is NEVER well intended. After turning the whole country into ruins, robbing it from its heritage, and sucking its oil, they send some teenagers to feed its people. This is peak comedy. Thank you for this video. More people need to know this.

[@paulinesadventures2661]

Very wise and smart comment. Terribly true info. Thank you for writing it.

[@kuddlecat]

It’s true but sadly as he says some communities end up having a dependent mentality so they really expect countries like US and others to help when they could try to do something on their own. Hecc it’s not limited to countries but within communities of one country can happen too.

[@amanda14louise]

Preach

[@adrnnn_]

The worst part is when people from the “3rd world countries” actually believes that the western countries are truly gonna help us

[@kellyortiz367]

:(

[@SoulShineLiveMichele]

This makes me more grateful for my church. My church works with and learns from the people of the place. Our goal is self reliance. In that Tonga situation, my church would put the locals in charge and guide the outside help in their ways. We'd ask, "What do you need us to do?"

[@koby2995]

Your church is still colonizing this places don’t fool yourself

[@ayomideige4779]

I always found it weird how expensive humanitarian trip are, when the local community will probably be more interested in getting the money and using it for their needs. You don't need to fly out 10 teenagers to impact a community , a fraction of the money spent will probably be more effective

[@helenemaja0912]

But the money might be taken or used not to benefit

[@ayomade7496]

Honestly the humanitarian trips in my college were 2000.

[@AvgJane19]

@@helenemaja0912 the solution to that problem isn't send teens across the world to "help"

[@helenemaja0912]

@@AvgJane19 I'm just saying😆

[@kimberlymiles4064]

ige ayomide great point!!

[@charinya.e]

My mum is from northern thailand where she lives in a rice farming village, people often associate that imagery with just above poverty and that they're all miserable. They have fully functioning toilets, internet, cars, computers and all that jazz, the way they live their life is fine and is theirs and its relatively much less stress then living in more "popular" countries. Just bc its uncomfortable for you to live there doesnt mean its uncomfortable for them

[@maj._07hup]

Yeah, it's a job why must it be associated with poverty and sadness? Yes, it's hard working on a farm, but it's simply life just like yours and mines. edit: I lived near a farm in Africa for most of my childhood and had a TV, electricity, and clean water provided for me. Me saying this does not mean that people in Africa don't struggle but it's me simply saying that just like all places in the world we have our own share of poverty. Not every African (specifically catered to Africans but can apply to any race, or region of people) you meet is from a poor family who lived in a hut. Just because I did not live in some fancy, "rich" country does not mean I was raised with no thought of technological advancements or life of the "rich".

[@nikkieerland2668]

Exactly I have family in northern thailand as well. Life there is just fine probably less worrisome than most regions =)

[@freshstartification]

Well said!

[@littlejuicebox]

For a while I've been watching youtubers like dianxi and liziqi (Chinese traditional lifestyle) and maybe if I randomly went to their village I'd think they are poor for living in mud/bamboo houses but truly, they live a more wholesome, meaningful and worry free life and I'm always envious

[@xandermin]

jen e i visited northern thailand in december & i really loved the mountainside villages we visited, everyone was so kind, especially the elders, & they all worked together to provide for each other. they taught me a lot about how communities can come together & blossom. the main problems they were facing were all because of tourism & climate change, both originating from the west. they didn't need my help, it was i who needed their help to change my thinking. blessings to you & your family 💛

[@dollman20]

Why I love the Food for People campaign because it prioritizes the locals growing their own food and the food provided is foods and recipes native to that location.

[@rinrin6454]

I love the brutal honesty here. This is how people grow and become better. "We are more than the sum of our intentions." I hope many people, including myself, learn from your story.

[@JokingAbraham]

That is a really good quote that summarizes the video. You can have noble intentions and still do unintended harm

[@MD-BullCreekATX]

I am so rarely impressed... But wow give this man a mic at a stage.

[@she-sz8dg]

a TED Talk 😍

[@nomdeplume2213]

Finally... ive been saying this for years. Poor people aren't stupid or helpless they are just in a shitty situation

[@richhornie7000]

Poverty isn't the lack of character or will, it's the lack of money and opportunities

[@Shakera...]

@@richhornie7000 That was beautifully said

[@chanchoqatari3328]

Well, many of them have low IQ for what is needed to thrive in modern times, one of the many reasons they stay poor, but they surely don't need egocentric people with superiority/god complex pestering them every other day.

[@marcrow9114]

@@chanchoqatari3328 how do you figure less money equals less intellect?

[@dez-m]

@@chanchoqatari3328 I agree. The intelligence however correlates to a lack of education available in there community. I would say that each and everyone has the capacity to be educated, but it is simply out of there reach.

[@Don-Coyote-De-Transylvania]

My "humanitarian" actions take place only in my close environment (neighbour, work etc). I have neighbours who often came to me for various requests. I m that kind of "repair guy". I help them with whatever i could. But what i found is that many people take my helping attitude as a given and abuse it. I don't want so sound like a victim lol, but if i helped some people with something, with every problem they they have come to me. I just can't have time for everyone.

[@mamusunyande6496]

My favorite quote, 'your intentions don't matter if it is causing harm'.

[@b3n3d1ct10n]

Thank you - that is a great quote! There’s a good pal of mine who is Kenyan, and she told me about how clothes donations from clothing banks that we in the west donate to have harmed local business in Kenya, ruining clothing companies and even people who make traditional kenté cloth etc. Even if people donate in good faith, it’s all a bit condescending. Also middle men take their cut, so you are just increasing corruption in a far away country and letting other people have to sort it all out.

[@mamusunyande6496]

@@b3n3d1ct10n I experience the same thing in Sierra Leone. I had a presentation of the environmental damage of charity on developing countries. Maybe I'll make it public.

[@kostek4430]

Does it work other way around?

[@rocko5766]

You are so pretty 🙀

[@orionsghost9511]

I would greatly disagree with this quote. Intentions most certainly do matter, if nothing else than because a person who intents well and finds out they are doing harm is likely to make the necessary changes going forward to help or at least not to harm. A person whose intentions are bad will not make the needed changes.

[@tarationg]

My family never liked humanitarians, we always wonder why people choose not to help the community they live in instead of communities thousands of miles away.

[@KM-eb5yo]

Well a person's a person, no matter where they live

[@tarationg]

@@KM-eb5yo well yes lol, I mean if you ‘re rich u can do whatever u want, but for those of us without money, it’s better to focus on helping our own community.

[@KM-eb5yo]

@@tarationg haha what that doesn't even make sense

[@lolanicolau251]

@@KM-eb5yo it does make sense lol if you don't have money you can't travel, so you focus on helping poor communities near you. It's kinda insulting someone coming from really far away to help you, not only for the communities, but also for the people in that country trying to help

[@KM-eb5yo]

@@lolanicolau251 you don't have to travel to help